Growing into an Independent Scientist in RNA Research
A Fellowship Story by Arpan Banerjee (PhD student at the University of Würzburg)
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) PhD Fellowship is a prestigious and highly competitive funding program that supports outstanding students pursuing a PhD in basic biomedical research worldwide. In addition to providing a generous monthly stipend, the fellowship offers substantial support for research-related expenses, participation in international conferences, and access to a strong international network of BIF fellows. Fewer than 10 percent of applicants worldwide are ultimately selected, underscoring the program’s selectivity and excellence.
Upon joining RNAmed, I secured this competitive BIF PhD fellowship, which now supports my research in RNA chemical biology alongside the structured training provided by the RNAmed program. My doctoral project in the laboratory of Prof Höbartner focuses on the cellular application of catalytic RNAs. Ribozymes represent a uniquely programmable platform for site-specific RNA manipulation, enabling precise control over RNA structure and function for diverse biomedical and therapeutic applications.
Current BIF fellows, working in Europe, gathered for the BIF summer seminar 2025 in the Austrian Alps (Hirschegg)
The BIF fellowship provides financial independence to fully concentrate on my PhD project, which is perfectly complemented by the RNAmed program through structured workshops, peer mentoring, networking, and direct exchange with clinicians and industry partners. In addition, it facilitates participation in specialized RNA-focused events. This expands technical and conceptual perspective beyond the bench.
Together, the BIF fellowship and RNAmed create an environment that enables me to pursue my research with depth and independence while continuously developing as junior scientist.
